Social Penetration Theory Overview

Questions and Answers

What does Social Penetration Theory primarily focus on?

The evolution of interpersonal relationships through self-disclosure (correct)

The impact of technology on communication

The importance of physical appearance in relationships

The role of culture in relationships

Who developed the Social Penetration Theory?

Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor

Self-disclosure is at the core of relational _________

development

What is the primary process involved in Social Penetration?

Bonding that moves from superficial to more intimate Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'trajectory' refer to in this context?

Pathway to closeness Signup and view all the answers

Depenetration refers to the enhancement of a relationship.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by transgression in relational terms?

A violation of relational rules, practices, and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Stranger On The Train' phenomenon?

When strangers reveal personal information to others in public places. Signup and view all the answers

What does public image refer to?

Outer layer of a person; what is available to others. Signup and view all the answers

What is reciprocity in the context of interpersonal relationships?

The return of openness from one person to another. Signup and view all the answers

What does breadth mean in relational terms?

The number of topics discussed in a relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by breadth time?

Amount of time spent by relational partners discussing various topics. Signup and view all the answers

What does depth signify in the context of relationships?

Degree of intimacy guiding topic discussion. Signup and view all the answers

What is reward-cost ratio?

Balance between positive and negative relationship experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the orientation stage of social penetration?

Stage of social penetration that includes revealing small parts of ourselves. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the exploratory affective exchange stage?

Stage of social penetration that results in the emergence of our personality to others. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the affective exchange stage?

Stage of social penetration that is spontaneous and quite comfortable for relational partners. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the stable exchange stage?

Stage of social penetration that results in complete openness and spontaneity for relational partners. Signup and view all the answers

What does dyadic uniqueness refer to?

Distinctive relationship qualities. Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations in the context of Social Penetration Theory?

Limitations include scope and heurism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Explains the evolution of interpersonal relationships through gradual and predictable phases.
Emphasizes self-disclosure as fundamental in transitioning from superficial to intimate relationships.
Contextual framework is interpersonal; follows socio-psychological tradition; utilizes post-positive paradigm.

Founders

Developed by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor, focusing on relational closeness and intimacy between individuals.

Key Assumptions

Relationships evolve from non-intimacy to intimacy over time.
Development is systematic and predictable through various stages.
Includes concepts of depenetration (relationship decline) and dissolution.
Centrality of self-disclosure in fostering relational growth.

Key Concepts

Social Penetration: The process of deepening the connection within a relationship.
Trajectory: Pathway followed to achieve closeness between individuals.
Depenetrate: Refers to the gradual weakening or deterioration of a relationship.
Transgression: Acts that violate established relational norms and expectations.
Stranger On The Train: Phenomenon where individuals disclose personal information to unknown persons in public settings.

Relationship Dynamics

Public Image: The initial outer layer of self that is visible to others.
Reciprocity: Mutual exchange of self-disclosure and openness between partners.
Breadth: Refers to the range of topics discussed in a relationship.
Breadth Time: The time invested in discussing various subjects in a relationship.
Depth: Indicates the level of intimacy associated with the topics of conversation.

Relationship Stages

Orientation Stage: Early stage involving minor personal disclosures.
Exploratory Affective Exchange Stage: Personality begins to emerge through deeper conversations.
Affective Exchange Stage: Characterized by comfort and spontaneity among partners.
Stable Exchange Stage: Involves complete openness and a high degree of honesty.

Unique Relationship Features

Dyadic Uniqueness: Refers to the special qualities and characteristics that define a particular relationship.

Limitations of SPT

Limitations include the scope of the theory and its heuristic value in explaining relational dynamics.

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Description

Explore the Social Penetration Theory (SPT) which outlines the stages of interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the role of self-disclosure. Developed by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor, this theory explains how relationships evolve from superficial to intimate. Understand key concepts like social penetration, trajectory, and depenetration in this insightful quiz.